Local retailers report run on hands-free devices

Monday

Dec 30, 2013 at 10:42 PMDec 30, 2013 at 11:48 PM

Drivers' interest in buying hands-free communication devices is high ahead of the new law that goes into effect Wednesday prohibiting them from using their cellphones and and other electronic device while they’re behind the wheel, unless they can do so hands-free.

By A. Marie BallCorrespondent

Bruce Kern walked into White Oaks Mall Saturday afternoon looking for a device that would allow him to talk on his cellphone and drive, all while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

Come Wednesday, that’ll be the law in Illinois.

“I want something that can fit inside my ear,” Kern explained to John Keating, a sales associate of the Verizon Wireless outlet inside the mall.

Kern followed Keating’s advice and decided to purchase a Motorola Bluetooth Headset, which he can sync to his iPhone 5 and talk into while he drives.

Over the past month, Keating said he’s helped roughly 15 to 20 customers per day who, like Kern, are interested in some type of hands-free device. Keating, who has been with Verizon Wireless for two years, said that in his experience, only one or two customers normally would ask about such a device, “if that.”

Keating attributed customers’ interest in hands-free communication to House Bill 1247, a law that goes into effect Jan. 1 and will prohibit motorists in Illinois from using their cellphones, tablets, PDA or other electronic devices while they’re behind the wheel, unless they can do so hands-free.

Because of the impending law, local cellphone retailers say they’ve noticed an increase in business stemming from more customers looking to get their hands on hands-free devices.

“I would say, easily, with the amount of customers looking for some sort of hands-free device, we’ve easily doubled our business this year,” said Bob Dudenhausen, manager of the Verizon Wireless inside White Oaks. He also noted that because of the high demand, Verizon is having trouble keeping all of the hands-free merchandise in stock.

Kern, who is used to holding his cellphone to his ear when he needs to take a call on the road, can understand the reasoning behind the law.

“I’m not sure about the actual calling part, but when you’re dialing, it’s distracting, I have to agree with that,” he said. “I’ve come upon a lot of people who were either driving recklessly or too slow because they’re on the phone, and it’s just too dangerous.”

‘Definite increase’

After Radio Shack heard about the new ban, the electronics retailer “definitely increased their stock” of hands-free devices, according to Alec Broughton, a sales associate at the location inside White Oaks Mall.

“Generally, most of our customers have Bluetooth-capable phones,” he said. “Really, we’ve been more affected with the accessories we sell, like the Bluetooth devices.”

Broughton noted a definite increase in the past week of customers looking for Bluetooth or any other “hands-free capable” device, the most popular being a Bluetooth visor speakerphone.

“I would say there has been a definite increase in sales because of the law,” Broughton said. “It helps business, because there’s added revenue, and it’s certainly been helping my paycheck.”

It’s a similar story at the AT&T outlet at 2410 Wabash Ave., according to manager Bob Smithers.

Smithers first noticed an increase in customer interest six months ago, when HB 1247 was first passed. He said AT&T quickly notified its suppliers, as well as its customers, about the new cell phone ban.

“I think the awareness has helped,” Smithers said. “It’s been nice to be able to share the knowledge of how easy these things are to set up and just the convenience of being able to use Bluetooth when you’re in the car.”

The devices in highest demand have been the Motorola elite sliver and the Roadster II, he said.

Immediate enforcement

According to Sgt. Charles Kean of the Springfield Police Department, if officers notice someone’s hands on an electronic device while behind the wheel, he or she will be pulled over. The fine is $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense and $150 for fourth and subsequent offenses.

The exception is if a motorist needs to make a call for emergency reasons.

“Our officers communicate directly with the same dispatch center those people will be talking to,” Kean said, explaining how officers will be able to recognize an emergency phone call.

Kean and Sheriff Neil Williamson both stated that there is no grace period, meaning that the law will be enforced starting midnight Jan. 1.

“I wouldn’t say people doing unsafe things because they’re on the phone has become an epidemic,” Kean said. “I think it’s the consequence of it that’s become the issue.”

It’s a Class A misdemeanor if a motorist is talking on his cellphone and causes an accident resulting in “great bodily harm, bodily disfigurement, or permanent disability.” A Class 4 misdemeanor will result if the accident results in death.

“Cellphones have become such an integral part of everyone’s life, and now all of a sudden we’ll be asked to stop using them (on the road),” Williamson said. “That will be very, very hard, and we understand that. But people are just going to have to learn how to do it, and understand that this will make the roads safer.”

Contact A. Marie Ball through the metro desk at 788-1517.

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